“Joe is a level-headed character and I think that is what you need to be as a captain,” said Gale. “It rubs off on the players. It doesn't matter if he gets nought or a double hundred, Joe is just the same.

“He is a very mature character. I remember him at 13-year-old around the club asking what he needed to do to play for England which is a big statement from a 13-year-old.

Joe Root (top; age 6) (Image: SWNS)

Joe Root (age 6) (Image: SWNS)

Joe Root (age 11) with Michael Vaughan (Image: SWNS)

Read More

“I remember him making his one day debut against Essex, he was a small young lad, he looked like the milky bar kid and he couldn't get the ball of the square, but since then he has learnt very quickly.

“I think we're going to see a different brand of cricket from England, he's very attacking minded and willing to think outside the box and tinker with his bowlers.”